The performance as well as the scoreline is what impressed Charlton manager Lee bowyer about their record 8-0 win on Tuesday night.

Goals from Darren Pratley, Nicky Ajose, Igor Vetokele, George Lapsile (2) and a Toby Stevenson hat-trick brushed Stevenage aside in the Football League Trophy.

“Obviously it’s flattering, it’s a big margin. You’ve got some experienced pros and some enthusiastic kids and I think they were outstanding from the first to the last minute. It was a pleasure to watch,2 said Bowyer.

“It’s nice but the most important thing for me is to see them play the way they did. They were outstanding, for the young lads that came in, they were very good. Taylor (Maloney) was outstanding, I don’t think he got caught once in possession tonight. He’s learning and that’s the most important thing.”

The record margin bettered their 8-1 victory over Middlesbrough in 1953, and it could have arguably been more as they peppered 22 shots on goal and averaged 60% possession.

Hat-trick hero Stevenson was making his debut in a side that featured nine changes from the weekends starting 11 who lost 2-1 to Coventry. Darren Pratley captained the side form a central role in a back three, and Bowyer suggested his impressive display there could not be his last.

“He’s a pro, he’s a big man and he puts his foot in and he competes. It made sense to play him as the central one, the dominator, the vocal one to organise it. He’s done very well, that’s something we can look at in the future for sure. His passing was excellent as well. I don’t think he gave the ball away and he hit some great balls to the wing backs. Again he was excellent.”

Vetokele scored his first goal since 2016 and Bowyer was full of praise for the Angolan for his all round display.

“He needs this, he needs this 90 minute run out and to keep topping up. He did well, he held it up well, his all-around game was very good. I’m pleased for him and for Nicky (Ajose), he got on the scoresheet. I thought (Mark) Marshall did well at right wing back. I thought he did very well Marsh, along with everybody. I don’t think I can pick one. They were exceptional.”

Charlton now have a break until they face Barnsley on October 20.